Is "hold sth out" separable?

Yes, you can place the object between "hold" and "out" or after "out."

Can "hold out" be used without an object?

Yes, but mainly when meaning to resist or wait, not to offer.

What is the difference between "hold out" and "hold on"?

"Hold out" means to resist or offer, while "hold on" means to wait or continue.

Can it be used in formal writing?

Yes, especially in contexts of resistance or offering.

Is "hold sth out" common in spoken English?

Yes, particularly when physically offering something.

Hold sth out Meaning, Examples & How to Use the Phrasal Verb

What Does “Hold sth out” Mean?

“Hold sth out” means to extend or offer something to someone, often by stretching your hand or arm. It can also mean to continue resisting or waiting for something over a period of time.

Introduction

The phrase “hold sth out” is a common English phrasal verb with multiple meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it refers to physically extending an object towards someone, like holding out a hand or an item. It can also mean to resist or wait patiently during a difficult situation. Understanding the hold sth out meaning helps learners use it correctly in conversations and writing. This guide explains its uses, grammar, examples, and common mistakes to avoid, making it easier to recognize and apply this useful phrasal verb.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: hold something out
Type: transitive
Level: B1
Short meaning: to extend or offer something; to continue resisting

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Hold sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means the object (something) can come between “hold” and “out” or after “out.”

Hold something out (correct): She held the book out to me.
Hold out something (correct): She held out the book to me.
Hold out (without object) is less common but possible in some contexts.

The verb is always followed by an object when used in the “offer” meaning.

How to Use “Hold sth out”?

You use “hold sth out” when you want to talk about physically offering or extending something to someone. It can be an object like a hand, a gift, or a tool. In another sense, it means to resist or wait, often during a challenge or negotiation.

For example, you might hold out your hand to shake, or a group might hold out against demands during a strike.

Examples

Here are some sentences showing how to use “hold sth out” in everyday English:

She held out her hand to help him stand up.
He held out the keys to the new car.
The soldiers held out for several days despite the siege.
Can you hold out your arm so I can measure it?
We have to hold out until the rescue team arrives.

These examples show both the physical and metaphorical uses of “hold sth out.”

Common Mistakes

People often confuse where to place the object in the sentence. Here are some incorrect and correct examples:

Incorrect: She held out to me her hand.
Correct: She held out her hand to me.
Incorrect: They held out for several days the siege.
Correct: They held out for several days despite the siege.

Remember to place the object directly after “hold” or after “out” and use correct prepositions.

Differences / Synonyms

“Hold sth out” is similar to other phrasal verbs like “offer,” “stretch out,” or “hold on.” However, each has a unique meaning:

Offer: to present something voluntarily, not necessarily by physically extending it.
Stretch out: to extend the body or limbs fully.
Hold on: to wait or continue despite difficulty, but without the meaning of offering something.

Use “hold sth out” specifically when you mean to physically extend or resist.

Common Collocations

Common objects used with “hold sth out” include:

Hand: to offer a handshake or help.
Arm: to stretch or extend your arm.
Gift: to present a present or item.
Keys: to offer keys.
Hope: metaphorically, to continue hoping or resisting.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of hold sth out:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “hold sth out”:

Anna: Can you hold out your hand? I want to show you something.

Ben: Sure! What is it?

Anna: Here’s the necklace I made for you.

Ben: Wow, thanks! You held it out so nicely.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “hold sth out”:

She __________ her hand to greet the new neighbor.
The team had to __________ against the pressure for hours.
Could you __________ the book so I can see the cover?

FAQs

Q: Is “hold sth out” separable?
A: Yes, you can place the object between “hold” and “out” or after “out.”
Q: Can “hold out” be used without an object?
A: Yes, but mainly when meaning to resist or wait, not to offer.
Q: What is the difference between “hold out” and “hold on”?
A: “Hold out” means to resist or offer, while “hold on” means to wait or continue.
Q: Can it be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, especially in contexts of resistance or offering.
Q: Is “hold sth out” common in spoken English?
A: Yes, particularly when physically offering something.